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Bangladesh vs Pakistan: Live Updates and Score from the Thrilling Test Match Encounter

In the heart of Rawalpindi, the cricketing world turns its eyes to a gripping Test match between Bangladesh and Pakistan, where the visitors are aiming to build on their recent successes while the hosts fight to reclaim their dominance on home soil. This second Test of the series follows Bangladesh's stunning victory in the first match, where they outplayed Pakistan in all departments. As the action unfolds at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, we're bringing you live updates, key moments, and in-depth analysis of every twist and turn in this high-stakes encounter.

The series has already been a revelation for Bangladesh, who arrived in Pakistan with a point to prove after years of being underestimated in the longer format. Led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, the Tigers have shown remarkable resilience, blending youthful exuberance with experienced heads like Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan. On the other side, Pakistan, under Shan Masood's leadership, are desperate to bounce back. With stars like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan in their ranks, they possess the firepower to turn the tide, but consistency has been their Achilles' heel.

As play commenced on Day 1, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to set a formidable total on a pitch that traditionally favors batsmen early on but can assist spinners as the match progresses. The opening pair of Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub strode out with intent, looking to lay a solid foundation. Bangladesh's pace attack, spearheaded by Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud, started probing with the new ball, but it was the introduction of spin that brought early drama.

In the first session, Pakistan raced to 50 without loss, with Ayub particularly aggressive, smashing boundaries off loose deliveries. His flair was evident as he dispatched a short ball from Taskin over mid-wicket for six, energizing the home crowd. However, Bangladesh struck back just before lunch. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the off-spinner who has been a thorn in Pakistan's side, induced an edge from Ayub, caught brilliantly by Litton Das behind the stumps. Ayub departed for 38, and Pakistan went to lunch at 78/1.

Post-lunch, Shan Masood joined Shafique at the crease, and the duo built a steady partnership. Masood, known for his elegant strokeplay, unfurled a series of cover drives that had the commentators purring. Shafique, meanwhile, reached his half-century with a deft late cut off Shakib Al Hasan, showcasing his growing maturity as an opener. The score ticked over to 150/1 by tea, with Bangladesh's bowlers toiling hard under the sun. Shakib, the veteran all-rounder, bowled a tight spell, varying his pace and flight to keep the batsmen guessing, but wickets eluded him in this phase.

The evening session brought fireworks and wickets in equal measure. Masood accelerated, reaching his century with a swept six off Mehidy, a shot that echoed his confidence. But just as Pakistan seemed poised for a massive total, Bangladesh's persistence paid off. Taskin Ahmed returned for a fiery spell, dismissing Masood caught at gully for 112. The breakthrough ignited the visitors, and soon Shafique fell to a brilliant yorker from Hasan Mahmud, out for 82. Pakistan stumbled to 220/3, with Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel now tasked with rebuilding.

Babar, under scrutiny after a lean patch, looked composed, guiding the ball into gaps and rotating the strike effectively. Shakeel, the left-hander, complemented him with solid defense and occasional aggression. By stumps on Day 1, Pakistan had reached 274/3, with Babar unbeaten on 45 and Shakeel on 32. Bangladesh would rue a couple of dropped catches, notably one off Babar early in his innings, but their discipline kept them in the game. The pitch showed signs of wear, hinting at spin playing a bigger role moving forward.

Day 2 dawned with overcast skies, adding an element of swing to the equation. Bangladesh's seamers exploited the conditions masterfully. Hasan Mahmud struck early, trapping Shakeel lbw for 40 with a delivery that nipped back sharply. Babar, however, continued his vigil, reaching his fifty with a trademark straight drive. He was joined by Mohammad Rizwan, and the pair added a crucial 80 runs, frustrating the Bangladeshi attack. Rizwan's busy style kept the scoreboard moving, while Babar unleashed a flurry of boundaries, including a majestic pull shot off Taskin.

Drama ensued when Shakib Al Hasan was brought back into the attack. The wily left-armer deceived Babar with a flighted delivery, inducing a false shot that was caught at mid-off for 78. Pakistan slipped to 350/5, but Rizwan held firm, reaching his century amid cheers from the partisan crowd. His knock was a masterclass in grit, mixing sweeps against spin with powerful drives against pace. Lower-order contributions from Salman Agha (45) and Shaheen Afridi (28) propelled Pakistan to a declaration at 448/6 late on Day 2. Bangladesh's bowlers shared the spoils, with Mehidy claiming three wickets and Taskin two.

Bangladesh's response began tentatively. Openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam faced a hostile spell from Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. Shaheen, with his lethal inswingers, dismissed Zakir for a duck, caught in the slips. Shadman survived a few close calls but fell to Naseem's bouncer, gloving it to the keeper for 15. At stumps on Day 2, Bangladesh were 38/2, with Najmul Hossain Shanto (12*) and Mominul Haque (8*) at the crease, trailing by a massive 410 runs. The pressure was mounting on the visitors to avoid a collapse.

Day 3 saw Bangladesh mount a spirited fightback. Shanto and Mominul added 70 runs in the morning session, with Shanto playing aggressively, smashing boundaries off the spinners. Mominul, the diminutive left-hander, was solid in defense, punishing anything loose. However, Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan's mystery spinner, turned the game with a double strike. He bowled Mominul for 42 with a googly and then trapped Mushfiqur Rahim lbw for 5. Bangladesh slumped to 120/4.

Enter Litton Das and Shakib Al Hasan, who forged a counter-attacking partnership. Litton, known for his flamboyant batting, raced to a half-century with audacious shots, including a reverse sweep off Abrar. Shakib supported with clever placements, and together they added 150 runs, taking Bangladesh to 270/4 by tea. The session belonged to the Tigers, as they clawed back into the contest.

Post-tea, Pakistan's pacers returned with venom. Naseem Shah dismissed Shakib for 68, caught behind off a rising delivery. Litton continued his assault, reaching a brilliant century, but fell soon after to Shaheen for 112, edging to slip. Bangladesh's tail wagged, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz scoring a quickfire 50, but they were eventually bowled out for 362, conceding a lead of 86 to Pakistan. Shaheen finished with 4/85, his swing bowling proving decisive.

Pakistan's second innings was brief but eventful. Opting to bat aggressively to set a target, they lost early wickets but declared at 172/4, with Babar scoring a rapid 50. This set Bangladesh a target of 259 to win, with a day and a half remaining.

Day 4 began with Bangladesh chasing cautiously. Openers survived the initial burst, but Abrar struck again, dismissing both for low scores. Shanto and Mominul steadied the ship with a 90-run stand, Shanto reaching 50 with elegant drives. However, just as hope flickered, Shaheen returned to dismiss Shanto for 62. Mominul fell to Naseem for 48, and suddenly Bangladesh were 140/4.

The middle order showed fight, with Mushfiqur (35) and Litton (28) adding valuable runs, but Pakistan's spinners tightened the noose. Abrar claimed two more wickets, and by stumps on Day 4, Bangladesh were 210/6, needing 49 more runs with four wickets in hand. Shakib (22*) and Mehidy (15*) were unbeaten, setting up a tense final day.

As we head into Day 5, the match hangs in the balance. Bangladesh need a heroic effort from their lower order to chase down the remaining runs, while Pakistan's bowlers, led by Shaheen and Abrar, will aim to wrap up the tail quickly. The pitch is deteriorating, offering turn and bounce, which could favor the spinners. Weather forecasts predict clear skies, ensuring a full day's play.

This Test has encapsulated the beauty of cricket: from dominant batting displays to resilient comebacks, nail-biting chases, and individual brilliance. Babar's return to form, Litton's century, and Shakib's all-round contributions have been highlights. For Bangladesh, a win here would seal a historic series whitewash, boosting their Test rankings. For Pakistan, victory is crucial to salvage pride and confidence ahead of future challenges.

Stay tuned as we bring you every update from the final day. Will Bangladesh pull off a miracle, or will Pakistan defend their total? The cricketing drama continues in Rawalpindi.

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[ https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/bangladesh-pakistan-live-stream-score-updates-b2792147.html ]